Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I purchase announcements?
Standard graduation announcements may be purchased at the Lundberg Bookstore (located in the Rankin Student Center) in person or by calling (231) 591-2607. Personalized announcements may be ordered by visiting Balfour at www.balfour.com. If you have a question on the name of the degree or how it should be listed on an announcement please contact your college's Commencement Coordinator.
Where do I purchase my cap, gown, and tassel?
You may purchase your cap, gown and tassel from the James L. Lundberg Bookstore, located in the Rankin Student Center. If you are unable to visit the bookstore in person you may contact the bookstore by calling (231) 591-2607 and ask that it be shipped to you. If you choose to have your cap and gown shipped you will be charged applicable shipping fees. Caps and gowns may be purchased with cash, check or credit card.
Is there disability access available?
Parking - Lot 48, located next to the Ewigleben Sports Complex will have designated handicapped parking available as well as general parking on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Guests - Wink Arena is handicap accessible and has several areas available that will accommodate wheechairs on the main level. Handicap seating (for guests with wheelchairs and for the elderly) is on a first-come, first-serve basis (we do not reserve seating) therefore, we encourage you to arrive when the doors open to ensure good seating. Ushers will be stationed around Wink Arena to assist if you should need help
Graduates who require special accommodations should call the Commencement office (231) 591-2612, at least two weeks prior to the ceremony.
If you or a guest require special accommodations, other then mentioned above, please contact the Commencement office at least fourteen days prior to the event by calling (231) 591-2612.
When will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas will be mailed to you by your college's Commencement Coordinator approximatly 8 weeks after the completion of your degree requirements.
How do I purchase a DVD of the ceremony?
If you are interested in purchasing a DVD of the ceremony, please contact Steve Cox at (231) 591-2721 or by email at coxs@ferris.edu.
How do I know if I am graduating with honors?
Your cummulative GPA for the semester prior to graduation is used to determine if you receive honors or not. Please click here for the distinction key. If you have any questions on whether you will be receiving honors or not please contact your college's Commencement Coordinator.
Where do I purchase my honor cord?
Students who are eligible to receive a honor cord from the Colleges of Allied Health Sciences, Education and Human Services, Michigan College of Optometry and Pharmacy may purchase them at our on-campus Bookstore.
Students who are eligible to receive a honor cord from the Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business and Engineering Technology may pick up their honor cord from their college's Commencement Coordinator.
Click here for the distinction key. If you have any other questions about your eligibility to receive an honor cord, please contact your college's Commencement Coordinator.
How can I be sure my name will be listed in the Commencement program?
Graduates must submit their clearance form to their college's Commencement Coordinator at least twelve weeks prior to the ceremony in which they plan to participate in or their name will not appear in the Commencement program. In order to have the program printed and back in time for the ceremonies we have to adhere to these deadlines. Contact your college's Commencement Coordinator if you have any questions.
How long does Commencement last?
Typically, the May Commencement ceremony will last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and the December Commencement ceremony will last approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
May family members take photographs?
Your family members may take photos during the ceremony, but we ask that they remain seated during the ceremony so not to disturb other guests who are trying to see their graduate. A professional photographer, Graduation Foto, will take a photograph of each graduate crossing the stage. Complimentary proofs will be mailed and/or emailed to you within one week of the ceremony. For more information on Graduation Foto please click here.
Which side of the student's cap is the tassel supposed to hang when entering the arena?
All tassels are to be on the right side of the cap for undergraduate students. During the ceremony, students will move the tassel to the left when instructed.
Masters and Doctorate students will enter with their tassel on the left and leave it on the left throughout the ceremony.
The December ceremonies do not require tickets
The May ceremonies do require tickets.
Are tickets required for children?
Children two years old and younger do not need a ticket.
Where can graduates put their coat, purse, etc. during the ceremony?
Please leave valuables, such as coats and purses, with family members during the ceremony. Please DO NOT leave items unattended in the Ice Arena. Ferris State University and/or its employees will not assume liability and/or responsibility for lost, damaged, theft of and/or an act of nature of any property.
I am a graduating from the College of Professional and Technological Studies, who do I contact to find out more about the Big Rapids commencement ceremonies?
Graduates from the College of Professional and Technological Studies are invited to participate in the Big Rapids campus commencement ceremonies of the college from which they are graduating. For example, if you are graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice and are from one of Ferris' off-campus sites, you would graduate with the College of Education and Human Services. Graduates with a degree in Industrial Technology and Management and Digital Animation and Game Design will walk with the College of Profesional and Technological Studies.
Graduates from the programs at Dowagiac, Flint, and Traverse City have the choice of attending local ceremonies, traveling to the main campus, or attending both. See the College Contacts page for links to the coordinators for those locations.